Board Member Position Profile. September 2013

Transcription

1 Board Member Position Profile September 2013 AARP Vision: AARP Mission: A society in which all people live with dignity and purpose, and fulfill their goals and dreams. AARP enhances the quality of life for all as we age. We champion positive social change and deliver value through advocacy, information, and service. Page 1 of 5

2 Overview of AARP AARP helps those 50+ and their families turn their goals and dreams into real possibilities. AARP strengthens communities and fights for the issues that matter most to families such as healthcare and retirement security. AARP s nonpartisan work is helping millions of Americans have a voice in the debate about strengthening healthcare and financial security through You ve Earned a Say, alleviating hunger through the Drive to End Hunger, engaging tens of thousands of volunteers in community service opportunities, and connecting experienced workers with jobs. AARP helps individuals 50+ better adapt to their changing world and achieve their best lives through Life Reimagined. AARP is a go to source for lifestyle tips, news, and educational information. AARP produces AARP The Magazine, the world's largest circulation magazine; AARP Bulletin; AARP TV & Radio; and AARP Books. AARP does not endorse candidates for public office or make contributions to political campaigns or candidates. AARP advocates for consumers in the marketplace by selecting products and services of high quality and value to carry the AARP name. AARP also helps its members obtain discounts on a wide range of products, travel, and services. For more than 50 years, AARP has been serving society by creating positive social change and will continue to leverage the principles of collective purpose, collective voice, and collective purchasing power guide its efforts. AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan social welfare organization with a membership of 37 million. Overview of the AARP Board of Directors AARP seeks candidates to fill up to seven volunteer positions on its Board of Directors. These positions will commence in June Directors are elected to serve a two-year term and may serve no more than four terms. The Board of Directors is responsible for setting AARP policies and overseeing an organizational budget that supports benefits, services and activities for over 37 million members and others 50+. More information about AARP is available on the About Us section of the website, The 21-person Board oversees organizational performance, which includes fulfilling the mission of AARP, determining its future direction, setting policy positions, and securing its fiscal health. Elected officers include a Chair, Vice Chair, a Secretary/Treasurer, and the AARP President and President-Elect who are board members with the President serving as AARP s principal volunteer spokesperson. Candidates must be able to attend five board meetings a year as well as committee meetings and an annual retreat. Directors may have an opportunity to serve on AARP s affiliate boards and represent AARP to the public. If you would like to learn more about Page 2 of 5

3 AARP s affiliate Boards, please visit Some of the major responsibilities of the AARP Board are: Setting strategic direction and public policy: Determining the national legislative policy agenda for AARP on such issues as Medicare, Social Security, livable communities and consumer protection; and Setting public policy that guides AARP s strategic plans and activities, its publications, and the development of member benefits and service programs and activities. Seeing that AARP has sufficient financial and human resources to carry out its strategic direction and policy: Approving the organization s budget and monitoring the finances of AARP; and Monitoring policies that govern over 2,000 staff nationwide and programs that involve tens of thousands of volunteers. Overseeing, monitoring and promoting accountability: Overseeing member services and programs; and Evaluating the performance of the Chief Executive Officer. For additional information about the current Board of Directors, visit Board Member Candidate Criteria All candidates for the Board should have the following attributes: AARP Membership: Candidates must be at least 50 years of age as of June 2014 and be a Regular or National Retired Teacher Association (NRTA Division) member of AARP. Commitment to AARP s Goals: Board candidates must have a strong commitment to AARP s objectives, values and strategic direction. Applicants should be aware of AARP s rich history of service through volunteerism, partnerships and teamwork. These principles are outlined in AARP s Strategic Plan and implemented nationally through a broad array of advocacy work, education activities, and through the services and benefits that AARP provides to its members, their families and all persons 50+. Page 3 of 5

4 Governance and Leadership Skills and Abilities: Applicants are preferred who have extensive experience governing or interacting with the leadership of large, complex organizations. Candidates should have skills in public policy development, setting strategic direction, monitoring organizational effectiveness, overseeing large/complex operations, and determining critical legislative or other programmatic policies. Knowledge and Experience: The Board is seeking to expand its capabilities in four areas: 1) new business model development to diversify revenue streams, 2) digital transformation and Big Data, 3) brand revitalization through new product/marketing initiatives, and 4) human resources expertise (executive compensation and succession planning). Additional skills and experience of interest for this recruitment process include experience with large national membership organizations, creating and executing multicultural engagement strategies, and involvement in consumer financial products and services, including insurance. Prospective board members may also be generalists who have a blend of knowledge, skills and relevant experiences in such areas as public policy, finance, social service, and membership development and volunteerism. AARP seeks a variety of professional and personal backgrounds to obtain a wide range of viewpoints and perspectives, and to maintain a Board of Directors that reflects the diversity of AARP s membership. Personal Characteristics: It is important that the Board member work well within a Committee structure and be able to communicate effectively with the CEO and other members of the management team. We are looking for candidates with a willingness to work on behalf of the entire 50+ population of the United States in a transparent, nonpartisan and productive manner. The ideal Board member will have a demonstrated track record of ethical behavior and exhibit a healthy curiosity to expand his or her knowledge of the organization and the key issues associated with AARP s mission. The ideal individual will be informed and decisive. A strong character, an independent mind, and a supportive nature in dealing with others will serve the candidate well. Nominating Process The Nominating Subcommittee is responsible for reviewing and assessing candidates for the Board. Following an initial evaluation, the Subcommittee will identify a pool of candidates for further evaluation, including a background check and reference checks. Finalists will be interviewed in person next February. The AARP Board will vote on a final slate of candidates and three alternates at its March 2014 Board meeting. New Board members will be installed at the June 2014 Board meeting. Page 4 of 5

5 Board Member Recruitment Schedule September October 2013 November December 2013 January 2014 Prospective candidates identified and open call process completed Candidate assessments completed Nominating Subcommittee selects finalist candidates for in-person meetings Background and reference checks completed February 2014 Finalist candidates meet with Nominating Subcommittee Final slate of candidates and three alternates selected March 7, 2014 June 5, 2014 Election of new Board members Installation of new Board members 2014 Board Meeting Schedule March 7 June 5 September 12 (tentative) December 12 (tentative) An additional Board Meeting may be scheduled as needed. To Apply The AARP Board of Directors application is online at Page 5 of 5